An assortment of pheromone diffusers and sprays for cats
It’s heartbreaking to witness your cat stressed. From unwanted scratching to hiding and hissing, stress manifests in various unpleasant behaviors in our feline friends. Pheromone diffusers and sprays have emerged as a popular solution, promising to soothe anxious kitties and restore peace to your home. But do these products actually live up to the hype? And with a plethora of options available, how do you choose the best Cat Calming Diffuser for your furry companion?
This comprehensive review dives deep into the world of cat calming pheromone diffusers and sprays. We’ll explore how they work, their benefits and drawbacks, and, most importantly, recommend the top products on the market to help you find the perfect solution for your stressed-out cat.
Top Cat Calming Diffusers and Sprays: Editor’s Picks
For those seeking quick recommendations, here’s a snapshot of our top choices for the best pheromone diffusers and sprays for cats. We’ve spent countless hours researching and evaluating numerous brands to bring you these trusted selections.
| Product | Best For | Key Features | Price & Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feliway Classic 30-Day Starter Kit Calming Diffuser | Overall Best | Veterinarian Recommended, Rotating Prongs, Indicator Light | $24.99 at Chewy |
| bSerene Advanced Pheromone Calming Diffuser Kit | Feline Fighting | Dual Pheromone Action, Long-Lasting (45 Days), Sleek Design | $22.99 at Chewy |
| ThunderEase Calming Diffuser | Separation Anxiety | Clinically Proven, Rotating Prongs, Multi-Cat Formula | $24.95 at Chewy |
| Comfort Zone Multi-Cat Two-Room Diffuser Kit | Budget-Friendly | Affordable, Higher Pheromone Concentration, Two Diffusers Included | $30.36 at Chewy |
| Sentry Good Behavior Calming Spray for Cats | Travel | Portable, Pleasant Scent, Scientifically Proven | $12.99 at Chewy |
| Feliway Classic Cat Calming Pheromone Spray | Destructive Behavior | Economical, Proven to Reduce Scratching and Spraying, Vet Recommended | $19.5 at Amazon |
| bSerene Pheromone and Catnip Oil Calming Spray | Situational Stress | Catnip Infused, High Pheromone Concentration, Enticing Scent | $19.5 from Chewy |
| Comfort Zone Scratch Control Spray | Fragrance-Free | Unscented, High Pheromone Concentration, Money-Back Guarantee | $15.98 at Chewy |
Our Trustworthiness in Cat Product Reviews
At Cats.com, our reviews are built on a foundation of diligent consumer-focused research. We are committed to providing unbiased and reliable information to help you make the best choices for your feline family. We do not accept compensation from brands for product features; instead, our selections are based on rigorous real-world testing and in-depth analysis.
To understand the science behind cat pheromone products, we consulted numerous scientific studies on feline pheromone therapy and its effectiveness in managing stress. Our research included exploring studies on pheromones in multi-cat environments and their role in reducing stress during transportation. We investigated a wide array of pheromone products, considering their suitability for different situations and the specific issues they aim to address. Analyzing both positive and negative user reviews provided valuable insights into how these calming tools perform for cat owners in various scenarios. Based on our comprehensive research, we personally tested a selection of four sprays and four diffusers with our own cats to assess their real-world efficacy.
The products highlighted in this review are sourced from reputable brands within the pet industry. We prioritized products backed by clinical evidence of effectiveness and those recommended by veterinarians. Additional factors considered in our evaluations included product design, pheromone concentration, and overall value.
Understanding Cat Pheromone Products
Cats naturally communicate through chemical signals called pheromones, released from glands located on their heads, cheeks, paws, and tails. These odorless signals play a crucial role in how cats perceive their environment, marking spaces as safe and secure, and communicating comfort and familiarity. That gentle head-butt your cat gives you? It’s their way of saying, “You are safe and you belong to me.”
Cat calming diffusers and sprays utilize synthetic versions of these natural feline pheromones to help reduce stress and anxiety in cats. These products mimic “feel-good” pheromones, effectively sending calming messages to cats. By doing so, they can help mitigate stress-related behaviors such as excessive meowing, scratching, hiding, and aggression between cats. Veterinary clinics and animal shelters often employ these products to create a more relaxed environment for cats in potentially stressful situations. While synthetic pheromones may not work for every cat, many cat parents have observed significant positive changes in their cat’s behavior after introducing these products.
There are two primary types of pheromones used in cat calming products:
- Feline Facial Pheromone: This type is used to reduce general stress and create a sense of security for individual cats. It mimics the pheromones cats deposit when they rub their faces on objects, marking them as safe and familiar.
- Maternal Cat-Appeasing Pheromone (FAP): This pheromone is particularly helpful in multi-cat households where tension and conflict are present. It mimics the pheromones released by mother cats to create a harmonious environment for kittens, promoting bonding and reducing aggression.
Who Can Benefit from Cat Calming Diffusers and Sprays?
Pheromone products are species-specific, meaning they exclusively affect cats and have no impact on dogs, humans, or other pets. They are also safe to use around other animals that share your cat’s living space. However, it’s always recommended to supervise pets and young children around diffusers and sprays to prevent any accidental contact or ingestion.
Cat calming diffusers and sprays can be particularly beneficial for cats experiencing:
- Separation Anxiety: Cats who become distressed when left alone can find comfort in the constant release of calming pheromones from a diffuser.
- Multi-Cat Household Stress: Diffusers releasing maternal cat-appeasing pheromones can help reduce conflict and promote peaceful coexistence in homes with multiple cats.
- Travel Anxiety: Sprays are excellent for travel, creating a calming environment within carriers and during car rides.
- Veterinary or Grooming Visit Stress: Spraying a carrier or examination table can help alleviate anxiety associated with vet visits or grooming appointments.
- Introduction of New Cats: Diffusers can aid in smoother introductions between resident cats and newcomers by creating a more relaxed and accepting atmosphere.
- Situational Stressors: Events like fireworks, thunderstorms, or house guests can trigger stress in cats. Diffusers and sprays can help manage anxiety during these times.
- Destructive Behaviors: Stress-induced scratching or urine marking can be reduced with the calming effects of pheromones.
- Environmental Changes: Moving to a new home or undergoing renovations can be highly stressful for cats. Pheromone products can help them adjust to these changes more comfortably.
Feliway Classic 30-Day Starter Kit Calming Diffuser
It’s important to acknowledge potential drawbacks of pheromone products:
- Cost: Long-term use can become expensive, especially for diffusers that require regular refills.
- Product Malfunctions: Some users have reported issues like diffusers leaking, melting, or leaving oily residues on surfaces.
- Unpleasant Scent: Certain sprays may have a noticeable odor that some people find off-putting.
- Variable Effectiveness: Pheromone products may not work for every cat. Individual responses can vary depending on the cat’s personality, stress levels, and the specific situation.
Veterinarian Dr. Melina Grin DVM advises, “They are less effective in large, open spaces. For targeted use, I prefer Feliway spray on towels and blankets during stressful events like carrier confinement and car travel. I also use Feliway spray on my clothing when interacting with anxious cats in the clinic.”
Dr. Grin further notes, “Using a Feliway diffuser during cat-sitting has reduced inappropriate urination in some clients’ cats. It has also been very helpful for clients fostering kittens, especially during kitten-cat introductions.”
It’s crucial for cat owners to have realistic expectations regarding pheromone products. They often work best as part of a holistic approach to managing cat anxiety, combined with other calming techniques like calming treats, anxiety vests, comfortable beds, and consulting with a professional behaviorist or trainer. If your cat experiences persistent anxiety, consulting with your veterinarian is essential to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
The Top 8 Pheromone Products for Calmer Cats: Detailed Reviews
Our product rankings are based on a comprehensive evaluation process, considering various factors such as effectiveness, ease of use, value, and user feedback. While the Feliway Classic Calming Diffuser Kit is our top overall pick, the ideal choice for your cat depends on their specific needs and circumstances.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve categorized our recommendations based on various factors, including cost, fragrance, intended use, and key features.
#1 Overall Best: Feliway Classic 30-Day Starter Kit Calming Diffuser
Feliway Classic 30-Day Starter Kit Calming Diffuser
Price: $24.99 at Chewy and Amazon
Feliway is a leading and trusted brand in the cat pheromone product market. We tested the “Classic” formula, designed for single-cat households and utilizing feline facial pheromones. Feliway also offers a “MultiCat” version for homes with multiple cats experiencing tension.
Like most diffusers, each Feliway Classic vial lasts approximately 30 days, and the diffuser unit should be replaced every six months. Environmental factors like room temperature and airflow can affect the duration. The diffuser provides coverage for up to 700 square feet in an open-plan space, meaning its effectiveness is limited to a single room. Multiple diffusers may be necessary for cats exhibiting stress-related behaviors in different areas of your home.
For safety, diffusers must be kept upright with vents unobstructed. Feliway’s rotating electrical prongs offer convenient adaptation to both horizontal and vertical outlets. A green indicator light is a helpful feature, confirming the diffuser is active, though some users might find it too bright.
The diffuser unit is warm to the touch during operation, a common characteristic of all tested diffusers. The manufacturer notes a potential slight odor during the initial 24-72 hours of use, but we did not detect any noticeable smell during our testing. It’s important to ensure your wall outlets have good plug retention, as the diffuser unit is somewhat heavy and may sag or fall out of loose outlets.
Pheromones are invisible, so don’t expect to see any vapor or mist. Feliway indicates that behavioral improvements may be noticeable within a week, but it can take up to 30 days to see the full effects.
What We Liked:
- Green indicator light for easy confirmation of operation.
- Rotating prongs for flexible outlet compatibility.
- Veterinarian recommended and trusted brand.
What We Didn’t Like:
- The diffuser unit has a somewhat bulky and less aesthetically pleasing design.
#2 Best For Feline Fighting: bSerene Advanced Pheromone Calming Diffuser Kit
bSerene Advanced Pheromone Calming Diffuser Kit
Price: $29.99 at Chewy and $22.99 at Amazon
bSerene is a newer brand in the market, and their diffuser stands out by incorporating both feline facial and maternal pheromones. This dual-pheromone approach addresses both individual cat stress and inter-cat aggression, making it an excellent choice for multi-cat homes with conflict.
The bSerene diffuser offers slightly wider coverage than many competitors, at 750 square feet versus the typical 650-700 square feet. Like other diffusers, this coverage is based on an open floor plan and is limited to a single room. A notable advantage is the longer lifespan of bSerene refills, lasting approximately 45 days, exceeding the standard 30-day duration of most diffusers.
We appreciated the sleek and modern design of the bSerene diffuser, which is visually more appealing than the Feliway. However, unlike other diffusers tested, it lacks rotating electrical prongs, potentially limiting placement options in homes with horizontal outlets.
What We Liked:
- Combines facial and maternal pheromones to promote bonding and reduce inter-cat conflict.
- Longer diffuser refill lifespan (45 days compared to 30 days).
- Sleek and aesthetically pleasing design.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Refills are relatively expensive.
- Non-rotating plug limits outlet placement flexibility.
#3 Best For Separation Anxiety: ThunderEase Calming Diffuser
ThunderEase Calming Diffuser
Price: $24.95 at Chewy and $24.95 at Amazon
Despite their independent reputation, cats can experience separation anxiety. Diffusers, with their continuous pheromone release, are generally more effective than sprays in alleviating separation anxiety. Sprays provide only temporary relief, while diffusers offer ongoing calming support.
ThunderEase, from the makers of the popular ThunderShirt anxiety vest, is clinically proven to be effective for 90% of cats. We tested the multi-cat formula, suitable for homes with multiple cats, and a single-cat version is also available. The diffuser design is similar to Feliway, featuring rotating prongs for different outlet orientations and covering 700 square feet.
What We Liked:
- Rotating prongs for versatile outlet compatibility.
- Clinically proven effectiveness in calming cats.
- Formulated for multi-cat households, addressing potential tension.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Bulky design, similar to the Feliway diffuser.
#4 Best Budget Diffuser: Comfort Zone Multi-Cat Two-Room Diffuser Kit
Comfort Zone Multi-Cat Two-Room Diffuser Kit
Price: $30.36 at Chewy and $30.36 at Amazon
Pheromone diffusers and sprays can represent an ongoing expense. Comfort Zone offers a more affordable option, particularly beneficial for those needing multiple diffusers or seeking a cost-effective solution. The “Two-Room Diffuser Kit” includes two diffusers and refills at a competitive price, making it economical for larger homes or for having a spare refill on hand.
Comfort Zone diffusers have a higher pheromone concentration compared to others we tested, containing 5% pheromones versus the typical 2%. The company claims most cats will show improvement in anxiety-related behaviors within approximately two weeks of use.
What We Liked:
- Affordable price point, especially for the two-diffuser kit.
- Higher pheromone concentration for potentially enhanced effectiveness.
- Sleek and discreet design.
- Rotating prongs for outlet versatility.
- Safety shutoff feature to prevent overheating.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some user reviews mention overheating and a burning smell, although we did not observe this issue during our testing.
#5 Best For Travel: Sentry Good Behavior Calming Spray for Cats
Sentry Good Behavior Calming Spray for Cats
Price: $12.99 at Chewy and $12.99 at Amazon
Traveling with cats can be stressful for both pet and owner. Calming pheromones can significantly ease travel anxiety. Sprays are the most practical choice for travel due to their portability and ease of use in confined spaces like carriers. They are also ideal for temporary stress relief and can be applied directly to areas where your cat becomes anxious, such as their carrier.
While some sprays have a strong alcohol scent, the Sentry spray has a more pleasant fragrance, making it a better option for enclosed car travel where strong odors can be problematic. It is also the smallest and lightest spray we tested, easily fitting into a bag or pocket for vet visits or travel.
What We Liked:
- Scientifically proven to calm cats in stressful situations.
- Lightweight and portable container.
- Pleasant scent, less overpowering than some other sprays.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Lower pheromone concentration (0.01%) compared to other sprays.
- Smaller volume (48 ml) than some competing sprays.
#6 Best For Destructive Kitties: Feliway Classic Cat Calming Pheromone Spray
Feliway Classic Cat Calming Pheromone Spray
Price: $19.5 at Amazon and Amazon
Stress can manifest as destructive behaviors like scratching furniture or urine spraying. Feliway Classic spray is clinically proven to reduce scratching and urine spraying in 9 out of 10 cats. To protect your furniture, you can spray 8-10 pumps directly onto the areas your cat targets.
This spray is also useful for vet visits, providing calming effects that last for approximately four to five hours. One downside is its relatively strong smell, which some may find unpleasant.
What We Liked:
- Economical option with a 60 ml bottle for the price.
- Proven to reduce stress-related behaviors like scratching and urine spraying.
- Suitable for both home use and travel to the vet.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Strong scent that may be off-putting to some.
#7 Best For Situational Stress: bSerene Pheromone and Catnip Oil Calming Spray
bSerene Pheromone and Catnip Oil Calming Spray
Price: $19.5 from Chewy and Amazon
For cats stressed by specific events like fireworks or thunderstorms, the bSerene Pheromone and Catnip Oil Calming Spray offers a unique combination. In addition to calming pheromones, it contains catnip oil, which can attract cats to the sprayed area, encouraging them to relax and associate it with positive feelings. Spraying a favorite blanket before a stressful event can help create a safe and calming haven for your cat. This spray can also be helpful for stressful activities like nail trimming or grooming.
In our testing, catnip oil initially piqued our cat’s interest in a previously ignored cat bed. However, the interest was short-lived. This spray also has a stronger scent compared to others, making it less ideal for travel.
What We Liked:
- Combines pheromones with catnip oil for enhanced calming and attraction.
- High concentration of feline facial pheromone (11.6%) and catnip oil (0.5%).
- Each 2 ml bottle provides approximately 400 sprays.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Most expensive spray in our review.
- Strong scent may be overwhelming for some cats or owners.
#8 Best Fragrance-Free: Comfort Zone Scratch Control Spray
Comfort Zone Scratch Control Spray
Price: $15.98 at Chewy and $15.98 at Amazon
A common complaint about pheromone sprays is their noticeable and sometimes unpleasant smell. The Comfort Zone Scratch Control Spray is formulated without perfumes, resulting in a virtually odorless product. This makes it an excellent choice for people or cats sensitive to smells. It’s also well-suited for direct application to furniture as it won’t leave a lingering fragrance.
Comfort Zone suggests behavioral changes may be noticeable within 1-2 weeks, although some cats may take up to four weeks to respond. Some users have reported issues with leaky bottles or ineffective nozzles, but we did not experience these problems during our testing.
What We Liked:
- Fragrance-free formula, ideal for sensitive cats and owners.
- Affordable price.
- 90-day money-back guarantee.
- High concentration of feline facial pheromone analogue (15%).
What We Didn’t Like:
- Reports from some users of leaky or faulty spray bottles.
Choosing the Right Type of Cat Calming Pheromone Product
Synthetic cat pheromones are available in various forms. The best type for your cat depends on your specific needs and how you intend to use it. Consider whether your cat requires continuous calming support or only needs relief during specific stressful events. Also, determine if you’re addressing general stress or inter-cat conflict.
- Sprays: Sprays are ideal for travel and targeted application to specific areas, such as carriers, scratching posts, or areas where urine marking occurs. They are best suited for situational stress and short-term relief.
- Diffusers: Diffusers provide continuous, room-wide pheromone dispersion, making them ideal for cats needing constant calming support, such as those with separation anxiety or living in multi-cat households.
- Collars: Calming collars are a convenient option for cats that spend time outdoors, providing pheromone release wherever they go.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Calming Diffusers
Do pheromone diffusers really work for cats?
For many cats, yes. Studies indicate that pheromone products can effectively reduce anxiety in cats. However, individual responses can vary depending on the cat, their environment, and the nature of their stress.
Are there any side effects of pheromone diffusers or sprays?
Pheromones are natural and safe communication signals for cats. They are not sedatives or drugs and do not have side effects. However, these products are not meant for ingestion and should be kept away from cats and toddlers to prevent accidental ingestion.
How long does a cat pheromone diffuser last?
Most cat pheromone diffusers are designed to last approximately 30 days before requiring a refill. Some brands, like bSerene, offer longer-lasting refills of around 45 days. The diffuser unit itself typically needs replacement every six months.
